Culinary Lead

The Truett’s Group Culinary Lead role is a professional role that will lead the menu development and innovation for all Truett’s Group restaurants. Truett’s Group is comprised of:

• 5 Truett’s Chick-fil-A’s – A concept created to share the legacy and story of our founder, Truett Cathy
• 5 Dwarf Houses- A concept developed by Truett Cathy to grow his original restaurant concept. The original restaurant is still operating and is a part of this group of work
• 3 Truett’s Grills- A concept developed to celebrate Truett Cathy’s 50th year in the restaurant business
• 1 Truett’s Luau- A concept developed by Truett Cathy as a final “love letter” to the world to encourage us to celebrate as family with laughter, fun times, and good food
• 1 Edgewater Chick-fil-A- A traditional free-standing Chick-fil-A location located near Truett’s home away from home, New Smyrna Beach
• 1 Dwarf House Classics Mall- A traditional mall location serving the Rome, GA community at Mt. Berry Square Mall
• 1 Truett’s Chick-fil-A Catering & Delivery- A remote prep kitchen that also serves as Catering & Delivery hub for The Dwarf House in original Chick-fil-A Inc Support Center (801 Virginia Avenue)
• 1 Shipping Container Drive Thru Restaurant- A brand new concept designed to produce maximum output in a
  small and portable space. It is currently located in Rome, GA

Truett’s Group restaurants, specifically the 5 concepts listed first in the above list, have expanded menus and a Full Serve service option. The Full-Service option allows guests to be more deeply cared for by a server who attends to their every need during their dining experience. Their food is conveniently served on plateware for the guest to enjoy immediately. There is also an expanded menu that allows guests access to additional specialty sides, appetizers, unique desserts, and other tasty food offerings. Both factors (Full Service & Expanded Menu) require a specialized person who can assess the needs of each concept, develop procedures to meet the needs, and someone who can see how to simplify our ever complex & growing business.

The Truett’s Group Menu Culinary Lead role is one that requires work with a cross-functional team of people who are dedicated to Truett’s Group to ensure that all business needs are met and that team goals are pursued together. This person will also be required to work with 12+ unique EGMs/Operators & their teams to ensure procedures are executed appropriately.

This role will also act as a liaison between Truett’s Group Menu Strategy Team, EGM Advisory Panel, and other
stakeholders to create and develop menu items for Limited Time Offerings, desired new rollouts specific to Truett’s Group, and modifications deemed necessary. This Culinary Lead will work closely and collaborate with Truett’s Group Menu Commercialization Lead.

Our Flexible Future model offers a healthy mix of working in person and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community.

The Truett’s Group Culinary role is one that must be filled by someone who is a self-starter. They should be able to see a need and find a way to fulfill the need & serve the restaurants. They must also be innovative and not be afraid to think outside the box. Most of the Truett’s Group solutions do not fit within the “box” of Chick-fil-A answers and so creativity and confidence is a must. They must also be someone who can work autonomously with limited (bi-weekly) check-ins with the larger team.

In general:

• Lead Menu Innovation, Creation, and Development for Truett’s Group concepts
• Own menu standards for all Truett’s Group concepts
• Leads simplification/optimization projects as it relates to ingredients; Validates with Commercialization Lead
• Collaborate with Commercialization Lead to ensure menu items/ideas are turned into executable recipes
• Collaborate closely with supply chain partners to ensure current and new SKUs are available on order guides
• Coach restaurants on improving their Back of House operations
• Leads and validates quality testing on ingredients
• Coordinates and Communicates with all partners during the innovation process
• Lead and Execute showings and deliverables for Truett’s Group leadership
• Qualitative Lead during photo shoots for Truett’s Group specific products
• Collaborate with Menu Commercialization Lead for photoshoots
• Develops training videos in partnership with Menu Commercialization Lead
• Work with Supply Chain to understand supplier on-boarding system
• Owns Truett’s Group specific menu supplier relationships
• Effectively manage the tension between wanting Chick-fil-A consistency with maintaining the uniqueness of these restaurants created by Truett Cathy or to tell his story

• 4 years Bachelor’s in Culinary Studies or Equivalent
• 2 or more years in Restaurant or Culinary Field
• Menu development experience
• Builds strong relationships with others and values the opinions and
  strengths of teammates
• Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities with limited
  supervision
• Ability to meet timelines and key deliverables
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Self-driven, exhibiting a personal drive for excellence and an eagerness
  to learn
• Knowledge and understanding of Chick-fil-A’s standard suite of work
  solutions (MS Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Detailed understanding of work processes across restaurant operations
• Exhibits ability to learn new systems and/or innovate for needs

• 4 years in Restaurant or Culinary Field